Curator’s statement
Anna Maria Island is a relaxed, family-friendly destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast that offers the best of laid-back beach living. With its white-sand beaches, clear Gulf waters and low-key atmosphere, it’s ideal for travelers looking to slow down and enjoy quality time together. The island is known for its local charm — think independent shops, great seafood restaurants and coastal-inspired art galleries, all without the chain restaurants or high-rises. It’s especially well-suited for multi-generational trips or group getaways, thanks to its spacious beach homes and easygoing pace. Just a short drive across the bridge from my home, Anna Maria Island is a place I’m very familiar with — and I take great joy in helping families fall in love with it.
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Where to stay on Anna Maria Island
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Things to do on Anna Maria Island
Beach time: The island’s pristine, white-sand beaches are perfect for relaxing, building sandcastles or soaking up the sun. If you go during sea turtle season, you can join the morning beach walks with the Longboat Key Turtle Watch program to spot fresh turtle tracks and new nests. Make sure to head back to the beach for an iconic western sunset in hopes to catch the green flash.
The Center: The Anna Maria Island Community Center is a hub for family activities, offering a range of programs such as sports, fitness classes and events. For a small daily pass fee, you can join in fitness classes and access the facilities.
Fishing: The island is a haven for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you’re casting a line into the bay, enjoying a fishing charter with a local captain or trying your luck from the shore, you'll have plenty of opportunities to catch fish in the Gulf of Mexico. I connect visitors with the fishing guides that know the area best and can help your family create the perfect fresh catch photo!
Skate park: For kids and teens, the Island Skate Park on Holmes Beach offers a fun place to skate and ride BMX bikes.
Shopping: Anna Maria Island features charming local shops, boutiques and galleries, perfect for browsing unique souvenirs or finding something special. From beachwear to handmade crafts, shopping on the island is a delightful way to spend the day. Some of my favorites are the Sand Dollar, West Coast Surf Shop and Nomad Collection.
Places to eat & drink on Anna Maria Island
Breakfast/lunch
The Donut Experiment: A must-visit for donut lovers! You can customize your own fresh donuts with a variety of toppings and glazes. It's a fun and sweet way to start the day.
Ginny’s & Jane E’s Café and Gift Store: A quirky, cozy café offering delicious homemade pastries, breakfast sandwiches and fresh coffee. It's a local favorite with an eclectic atmosphere. It’s vacation — have the crême brulée french toast!
Anna Maria Island Beach Café: Nothing fancy, located right on the public beach, this toes-in-the-sand spot has friendly counter service with an amazing view. Classics like all you can eat pancakes, great coffee or a morning fruit bowl. Come back in the evening for frozen concoctions and Sunday steel drums.
Hometown Desserts: Known for its freshly baked pastries and sweet treats, this charming bakery right on Pine Avenue also serves breakfast items like croissants, muffins and quiche in a cozy setting.
Lunch/dinner
The Waterfront Restaurant: Offering both indoor and outdoor seating with waterfront views, this restaurant serves up fresh seafood, fresh salads and steaks in a seasonal manner. They also have a creative cocktail menu and great wine list. It's perfect for a more refined yet casual lunch or dinner and to either celebrate a special occasion with the whole family or make this your romantic night out without the kids. They only take reservations for inside, so if you are hoping for an outdoor table, you may face a bit of a wait. There are a few shops that you can walk to while you wait for your table. My kids like to do backwards night and grab a little ice cream while we wait for our table. Once again — this is vacation! The Waterfront Restaurant also partners with Anna Maria Fishing Charters to cook what you catch!
Poppo’s Taqueria: If you're in the mood for something fast and flavorful, Poppo's counter service whips up fresh tacos, burritos and bowls with a variety of fillings and toppings to your liking. My fav is the Dutch Fox Taco filled with sweet heat. They source clean ingredients and vegetarian options. It’s a casual and fun spot for a quick and tasty lunch while you browse the shops on Pine Avenue.
The Wicked Cantina: A family favorite of ours for a weeknight dinner out that is laid back but delicious. They have live music, margarita specials and chorizo queso. What else do you need?
The Porch Restaurant: A scratch kitchen in a tiny historical house, The Porch focuses on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, offering a menu filled with seasonal seafood, steaks and farm-to-table dishes. To me, this menu is reminiscent of the Denver dining scene, offering hearty ingredient in a lighter style. It's the perfect spot to enjoy an authentic, fresh dining experience in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The space is small, so if you have a larger group, definitely call ahead to see what their space looks like for the evening.
Need to know
Day trips
Sarasota — Mote Marine Laboratory & St. Armands Circle (approx. 45 mins): Head to nearby Sarasota to visit the Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium, where kids can learn about Florida marine life and even touch stingrays. Then stroll through St. Armands Circle — relax for lunch, ice cream and a bit of boutique shopping in a walkable, upscale setting. This is where you will find the infamous Columbia Restaurant and the original “1905” salad.
Myakka River State Park — Airboat Rides & Nature Trails (approx. 1 hour 30 mins): For something outdoorsy, explore Myakka River State Park, one of Florida’s oldest and largest parks. Families can enjoy scenic boat tours, spot alligators from the boardwalk or take a short hike through shaded trails. This park did sustain damage from the 2024 storms, so check the website before going to see what amenities are available.
Spring training — If you’re visiting in late February through March, catching a Spring Training game is a fun, all-American outing the whole family can enjoy. Several Major League Baseball teams train just a short drive from Anna Maria Island, offering a relaxed stadium vibe and kid-friendly energy. You can see the Pittsburgh Pirates in nearby Bradenton at LECOM Park, one of the most historic spring training stadiums in Florida. Or take a quick drive to Sarasota to watch the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium, where lawn seating and casual eats make it easy with little ones. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon — whether you’re a baseball fan or just in it for the sunshine, snacks and souvenirs.
Getting around Anna Maria Island
Bikes, trolleys and golf carts — getting around Anna Maria is easy, laid-back and family-friendly.
Biking: The island is incredibly bike-friendly, with designated paths and scenic routes that make exploring both safe and enjoyable. It’s a great way for families to get around while soaking in the island’s charm at a slower pace. Rentals are widely available and perfect for everything from morning beach rides to ice cream runs. I can have your bike rentals waiting for you at your home rental upon your arrival.
Island trolley: Anna Maria’s free trolley is a convenient way to cover more ground without the hassle of driving. Running from the north end of the island down to Bradenton Beach, it stops at key beaches, parks, shops and restaurants. Hop on and off as you please — no need to worry about parking. Even if this is not your mode of transportation for your whole time, make sure to hop on at least once — it is a kid favorite! We like to use the trolley for an ice cream night or to head out to dinner and not have to worry about paid parking (or too many margaritas).
Golf cart rentals: For a fun and flexible option, golf carts are a favorite among visitors. They’re ideal for cruising between the beach, your rental and dinner spots. Multiple companies offer rentals by the day or week, making it easy to find one that fits your plans. You can typically find one that fits your needs with two-, four-, and six-seaters available.
For more inspiration and customized recommendations visit our Anna Maria Island page.
Travel Advisor
Katie Boswell
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